Why you don't really want just a logo
There’s a common misconception amongst many business owners that I want to dispel.
You don’t want “just” a logo!
And I know the people who ask for help with their logos have the best of intentions - saving money, keeping things simple ec… - thinking about your logo or your branding in this way is a major disservice to your business.
A logo is so much more than just a pretty version of your business name.
Your logo is a visual representation of your business, and your brand! It is often the first impression people have of your business and is one of the most recognizable aspects of your brand.
A well-thought-out logo can communicate your style, your tone and your essence as well as what you do. It can build trust with prospective customers who are just learning about your business. In tandem with a comprehensive brand kit, a logo can also become synonymous with your business help everything you do scream “YOU” in a way that people can’t help but remember.
On the other hand, a thrown-together logo can also communicate a lot about your business… It can tell people that you aren’t a serious business, that you don’t value your brand and that you might not be worthy of their trust or their money.
A logo on it’s own isn’t enough
While it’s all good and great to have a pretty logo that is aligned with your business, if that logo stands alone in a mirky visual brand it loses a whole lot of it’s power.
Pairing your logo with complimentary logos can fill out your brand and give you more flexibility in different instances. For example, a wide logo might be perfect for most instances but stick out like a sore thumb in a square space.
To fill out your visual brand you’ll also need curated fonts and colors, and perhaps patterns and icons. By using all of these elements consistently, you’ll build a strong visual brand which is thoughtfully tailored to your business and easily recognizable at a glance.
How to get a logo and brand for your business
Depending on where you are in your business, you may undertake your branding yourself or hire a Branding Designer (like myself).
If you decide to create your logo and branding yourself, I’d strongly encourage you to start by looking at some other brand kits as inspiration. Try to identify what your dream customers will identify with and what fits best with your business before making any choices.
And if you do decide to work with a branding or website designer to create your brand for you, make sure to check out this article with my best tips on finding the right designer for you!
Oh, and if you’re wondering if I have similar thoughts on this regarding websites… you’d be right! This article is all about how there’s no such thing as a simple website, and it’s pretty compelling if I do say so myself.